Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Griffin.
Linda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a native of Louisiana. I grew up in a small town with a population less than 3,000; however, I wouldn’t trade anything about that experience because it gave me a strong sense of unity and pride. A place where everyone knows your name and when they greet you, they ask about your family. This type of community was in fact an extension of my very own family. I am the youngest of 9 children and the first to graduate from college. I graduated from Grambling State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. My degree couldn’t have put me further from the world of event planning and decorating; however, it did prepare me in how to interact with people. I not only listen to what they are saying but also I pay attention to their body language. I always had the ability to organize whether it was school events, church functions, family reunions and birthday parties or meetings at work. I would plan ahead, factor in the details beyond just the obvious, and execute accordingly.
I have proudly served in the Federal Government for 23 years and 11 of those years have been in a management position. I use those same managerial and networking skills in establishing my business. The organizational and interpersonal skills have helped me to connect and understand what people want and how to instinctively relate to their needs and concerns. As such, I am able to develop rapport and build a strong network of talented vendors in which to support and serve my clients. I always knew I wanted to have my own business. Something much bigger than me that I can put out in the universe as my special brand that I can be proud of because simply put – I created it. I also knew I wanted to start my business before retiring from my government career; therefore, once I retired I could just roll right into it without being concerned with all the start up.
I got the idea to start my own event design and decorating business in 2015, while planning my very own wedding. I enjoyed planning every little detail and taking my vision and making it a reality. With everything there is cost, I also realized that some of the services were entirely exorbitant and quality isn’t always synonymous to price. Not to mention, I didn’t feel like I was getting that special attention but rather like I was just another client. I wanted to help change that about the industry so in my small way, I established a business that would work with most budgets and deliver a product and service that one would be proud of for years to come. A business where people don’t feel like they are just another client but rather as if they were the only client.
Has it been a smooth road?
We have all heard that nothing in life is perfect and that the only thing constant is change. Certainly, it hasn’t been all struggle but I would be remised if I didn’t mention the sacrifice of spending long hours away from my family especially, on the weekends. I have a 13 year old son that is the last little birdie in the nest and I often miss out on his basketball games and patio dates and bike rides with my husband because I am working – helping to make a client’s one moment in time truly special. You only get one shot at it and you can’t turn back time if you miss it so I want to make that special occasion absolutely extraordinary. One they can look back on for years to come and have that same satisfied feeling like on that actual day. Now, that’s magic!
I am still striving to accomplish that work-life balance and on some days, I feel like it doesn’t even exist. You do your best to balance and know that you are one person so having a team is so important and I am blessed to have 3 amazing friends that are my backbone. Sharon, Angela and Claudia are just as responsible for the success of Adore Event Design and Decorating as I am, because they serve every client alongside of me with excellence and professionalism. I appreciate them so much and I am very grateful for their support.
One thing these past few years have taught me is chase your dreams. I am a 4 year breast cancer survivor and beating cancer taught me that life has no guarantees so, it is best to step out of your comfortable nest and do what you love because the potential for a miracle is often found out on a limb. I told myself that I can play it safe or take a chance on ME and follow the path of possibilities. Even in challenging times, I am glad I did because there’s peace in doing what you love.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Adore Event Design & Decorating – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am the owner of Adore Event Design and Decorating. In July 2016, I started the business to offer the DFW area quality services at affordable prices. I chose the name Adore to reflect the very essence of what I do. I love making things more beautiful and attractive. Taking something and making it visually appealing to the sight is truly a form of art. Although, weddings are the cornerstone of the company. Adore caters to all things worth celebrating. We’re here to support the anniversaries, birthdays as well as corporate events. No matter the occasion, Adore is able to take what is imagined and make it extraordinary. We pride ourselves on that and aim to meet or exceed expectations. I wanted a company that would serve the DFW area in excellence and with the utmost integrity. I am proud that I am able to do this in the spirit and in the vein in which, I created the company. In order to make every client feel as if they’re the only client, I am selective in the number of events I book per year. Serving in excellence is the goal no matter how big or small the event the standard of service remains the same.
At Adore, we are dedicated in capturing the very essence of your special occasion by adding details that personalize and that tells your unique story. It is an exhilarating feeling to execute everything by bringing all the moving pieces together in a way it seems flawless because no one sees all the behind the scene maneuvering it takes to make that one moment in time truly special and memorable. I literally get a rush!!! It is an honor to serve and I get such a rewarding feeling when clients are happy with my work. Adore is my brand and I feel like every event I leave my thumb print and I want that impression to be lasting and uncompromising.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Even though I am a native Louisianan, I love Texas and particularly, Dallas. It is a city that is resilient and strong. We come together in the good and bad times for the sake of community and good will. It is diverse in culture, arts, music and foods. The Big D is even embracing a more healthier side with having healthier options in restaurants even the food trucks are catching on to this movement. The cost of living and real estate is stable. It is affordable and has a booming economy with lots of companies moving in to make Dallas home.
There’s not much I dislike about Dallas. No place is perfect not even if you lived on an island with perfect weather most of the year. Dallas at its best and with its flaws (100+ degree temperatures in the summer time) makes it unique and distinctively original.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2831 Eldorado Parkway Suite 103-136
Frisco, TX 75033 - Website: www.adoreeventdecorating.com
- Phone: (214) 618-2468
- Email: Lgriffin@adoreeventdecorating.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/adoreeventdecorating
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/adoreeventdec
orating
Image Credit:
Jamie Huffman weddings@jamiehuffman.com
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